Biking Uphill in the Rain: The Story of Seattle from behind the Handlebars is officially available for preorder for $29.95 from the UW Press website.

I have been working on this book since 2019, and I cannot wait for you all to finally get a chance to read it. It is due out in May (though printing backlogs could end up pushing it back a little). There will be hardcover and e-book versions at launch, though only the hardcover version is available for preorder at the moment.

The book started as more of a bike culture book with a short history section, but in the course of researching I kept finding fascinating and often surprising stories buried in various archives about the different ways bicycling helped shape the city and its culture. That’s why the subtitle is “The Story of Seattle from behind the Handlebars.” It’s a book as much about the City of Seattle as it is about bicycling, but bicycling provides an atypical perspective for exploring the complicated history of this place.

The book uncovers some long-lost stories and names, and it may change the way you think about Seattle as you bike up and down (and up and up and down) around this beautiful place.

Some blurbs from a couple fantastic writers:

A journalist’s eye and personal enthusiasm make this look at the history, culture, and contemporary politics of bicycling in Seattle a fun, fascinating read that will make you want to get on your bike and explore the city—while organizing to keep making local transportation better, safer, and more equitable.

– Elly Blue, author of Bikenomics: How Bicycling Can Save the Economy

Weaving together history, personal anecdotes, politics, and a passion for the road, Tom Fucoloro opens our eyes to the incredible story of bicycling in Seattle, showing how everyone benefits from more bikes on the road and inspiring us to ride.

– David B. Williams, author of Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City